Part 2

We Chinese often sum up some skills to make us more polite when speaking English. Firstly, westerners tend to use modal verbs in conversations, such as can, could, may, might, would. What's more, they usually use the subjunctive form, such as would (had) rather, would (had) sooner, would (just) as soon.

Also, they often place "please" at the end of the sentence instead of at the beginning. ("请 (please)" is always placed at the beginning of Chinese sentences). For example, when asking somebody to do something, we chinese will say, "请在周一前给我回复，谢谢！" When the sentence is translated literally into English, it is "Please reply to me by Monday. Thank you!" Chinese think it sounds polite. However, native English speakers don't think so, as they feel you it is more like an order. It would be better, if you say, "Could you please reply to me by Monday? Thank you."

lf you are afraid to appear impolite when using declarative sentences, you would better use as many questions, negative sentences, and subordinate clauses as you can to guard against subjectivism and arbitrariness.

Also, you should focus on others in conversations and always appreciate others, making yourself modest and small. We should still say, "Thank you." at the end of sentences. ln fact, this polite expression comes from ancient China and it also is the common between China and the West.